Consistency, hard work, teamwork and mental strength are the qualities that make a football team stand out, says Ludwe Mpakumpaku, goalkeeper coach of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Varsity Football team.

Ludwe knows what it means to achieve the extraordinary. As former captain of TS Galaxy, he led his side to the historic 2019 Nedbank Cup victory over Kaizer Chiefs, a result that stunned the South African football community.

Reflecting on that achievement, he believes it shaped the way he approaches coaching. “Playing in a sold-out World Cup stadium with 80% of supporters backing the opposing team requires an enormous amount of mental strength and focus. I try to instil in our goalkeepers the ability to focus on the prize no matter the odds against you.”

His professional background also shapes his philosophy about growth and resilience. “The lessons I instil from a professional football setup are clear: coachable players are forever growing their understanding of the game and what is required by the coach. You will never win all the games, but the ability to bounce back after a defeat starts on the training field with the attitude of a winner and the bravery of a warrior.”

Now on the training ground in Mahikeng, Ludwe’s focus is on equipping student-athletes with the mindset and skills to perform consistently. “Winning a major trophy was a career highlight, but what really matters is passing on the lessons. I try to instil a mindset of consistency, hard work and teamwork in our Varsity Football players because those qualities make the difference at any level.”

He sees Varsity Football as a stage that mirrors the pressures of the professional game. “The pressures are different, but the principles are the same. At professional level, you play in front of thousands and represent a brand. At Varsity Football, you carry the pride of your university. Both require preparation, focus and mental strength.”

Ludwe says he always reminds the players that he once stood where they are now, dreaming of making it big. “If they put in the effort, stay disciplined and believe in themselves, they can achieve great things.”

NWU goalkeeper coach Ludwe Mpakumpaku